Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) will hold a fundraising event next month with proceeds to help support the university’s first student golf club.

The event, to be held at the Timbergate Golf Course in Edinburgh, will take place Friday, June 21 at noon. The fundraiser will include door prizes, a hole contest, and food.

According to Dr. Sandra Miles, director of student affairs at IUPUC, athletics are an important part of the overall student experience.

“Numerous research studies have shown that participating in athletics as part of the college experience yield positive benefits for students, like leadership development, persistence, resilience, self-discipline, time management, and learning how to function as a member of a team. Athletics also promotes good student health and fitness,” she reported.

Miles, who oversees student services and programs including IUPUC’s intramural and club sports, also said athletics help build campus pride, spirit, and loyalty not only among students, but also among alumni, parents, faculty and staff, citizens, business owners, and others who are connected to the university.

During the 2012-13 academic year, the university established a cross-country team and reestablished the first men’s basketball squad at IUPUC since 1987. The June fundraiser will support the development of a golf team for the 2013-14 academic year.

“We hope business owners and local residents in Columbus and surrounding communities will embrace our efforts to build a successful golf program at IUPUC that will ultimately develop into a competitive intercollegiate team,” added Matt Brown, team coach.

Cost is $50 per person or $200 per team. Team sponsorships cost $200 and hole sponsorships are $100. Timbergate Golf Course is located at 151 St. Andrews Avenue, Edinburgh, IN 46124.

For more information, contact Jason Teltoe at jteltoe@iupuc.edu or call 812.603.4784.